This past weekend I went out for a run, about four miles. I made it through maybe two and then the walk/run/walk/run began. I blame my iPod.
I have tried to piece together a play-list of good running music, but what seems like a good idea when on iTunes, like say Eminem’s “Move Yourself†in practice on the road actually has far too slow a beat to keep time to. When the beat slows down, so does my pace. And when an accidental slow song slips in, then I am walking, as happened when Outkast’s “I Like the Way You Move†came on in the third mile on Sunday.
I am trying to train for the Army Ten-Miler that my buddy Jason and I are running in October. While soccer-phenom, Jason, is likely running about twenty miles in-game each weekend, and will find the 10 mile race like a light stroll, I find myself looking at the calendar and getting nervous for getting my stamina up to meet the challenge.
So, I ask you blog-nation for help where I need it most, in the iTunes. My really good running songs are sparse, and many that I do have are far too embarrassing to name, but let’s just say I really shouldn’t own them. I really really need some new songs that have a good running beat and preferably are good music as well. Any suggestions?
If you like techno music, there’s a lot open to you – Daft Punk, Dirty Vegas, Roni Size, and the Run Lola Run sountrack are some of my faves. As well as Moby and Fatboy Slim (though they like to throw in more ambient tracks, so you have to be selective). If you don’t like techno music, um, I dunno.
I found earlier this year that “Beat It” has the absolute perfect pace for me for a fast walk. If you double-timed it, maybe it would be good for running?
Also in the 80′s vein, I’ve lately rediscovered my love of Poison (laugh if you must) and I think “Nothin’ But a Good Time” might be a good running tune.
Other than 80′s, well…. Onyah’s got a good tip with techno. How do you feel about The Cure? “High” and “Friday I’m In Love” both have a good fast pace. “A Little Less Conversation” is on one of my gym mixes, too.
Yeah, I’m not so up on the current music, other than girly stuff like Shakira and Christina….
My workout tastes run more towards the mid-90′s gay club but here’s what’s on my workout playlist:
1. Blister in the Sun – Violent Femmes
2. Been Caught Stealing – Jane’s Addiction
3. It’s Raining Men – The Weathergirls
4. Heaven’s What I Feel – Gloria Estefan
5. Don’t Cry For Me Argentina (disco remix) – Madonna
6. Are You Ready for This? – That song they play at basketball games
7. Filthy’Gorgeous – Scissor Sisters
8. If – Janet Jackson
9. Forever Your Girl – Paula Abdul
10. Baby I’m a Star – Prince
The best ones are the Songs in the Movie ‘Rocky I, II, & III’. Or if you want, I can record Lucas’ crying tone and that will make you feel like running away…
Songs are not important. Since you are not officially married, just follow a good shaped female runner and it will make you going, going and going…
I don’t think I am here to help… run…..
There is a fantastic group called Me First and the Gimme Gimmes. They only do covers (I don’t think they’ve ever written a lyric in their lives) but they do them in a super fast punk style. You have never had a better work out until you do it to Lionel Ritchie’s “Hello” covered by them.
Greg, Me First and the Gimme Gimmes are on my iPod if you want them.
(non-anonymous Kang)
I have some suggestions for music you can listen to while running. Overseer(Wreckage album), Crystal Method(Tweekend, Vegas albums), Fatboy slim(Greatest hits). Mix and match several of these songs like I did and you’ll be motivated to move.
Since i am directly referenced in this blog, i think it only fair to put my 2 (or maybe 5) cents in.
1. I am in horrid shape. i don’t know how. I played in a soccer tourney at the beginning of august and i was fine. I have played a few games through that time, and spent time in the gym, yet i am useless for anything more than 15-20 minutes at a time in a game. Having said that, i am not running anywhere near the 3-5 miles you run in a soccer game.
2. The running in soccer is completely different than a steady pace for a long distance.
3. having said all that, I completed a grueling (and hilly) 8 mile run earlier this year with virtually no training. I honestly do not think running 10 miles is that hard. Having people to run with as well as people cheering you on is inspiration enough to make this run quite easy.
Get in your head and remember why you are running it, and its more of an inspiration to keep pace than some weak ass music selection. That, or play the fighting conchords.
Now if we can only convince tanya and selena to run it, we’ll be fine.
Yours truly,
Jason the soccer phenom
If any of my above comments don;t do it for you, i would suggest any number of selena’s gay boy band selections as well as hits from past american idol winners and runner ups.
Jason
Thank you to everyone for their suggestions, except Jason for suggesting that running ten miles will be no big deal, (damn perfect Greens!) I plan on taking these ideas to iTunes or some place shadier next week and make the new playlist just in time for some serious distance training.
I’m glad you got lots of good suggestions because I do not have iTunes, I’m terrible at remembering songs (for anything- lists of my favorites, playlists, etc… and for that matter, movies, shows, books). Oh, and I don’t run. So I am no use to you… I thought that was worthy of posting due to the degree of uselessness : )
However, you have gotten me wishing I had an iPod… thanks a lot! : P